Angelina Jolie opens up about her divorce and suffering from Bell's Palsy

Last year was very stressful for the actress

Published 27th Jul 2017

Angelina Jolie has opened up in a recent interview about her divorce from Brad Pitt and her "difficult" summer last year.

In the interview with Vanity Fair Angelina explained how things had been rocky between her and Brad for some time, but it was their split last September and her sudden filing for divorce which shocked the showbiz world. The couple have six children between them and Angelina filed for sole custody.

Since splitting from her husband, who she'd been with for 12 years, Angelina and her children moved into rented accommodation where the magazine's interview took place.

With all the stresses of last year Angelina revealed to Vanity Fair that she had been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. If you aren't familiar with the condition it is the result of damage to facial nerves and causes the side of someone's face to droop. Recovery from Bell's Palsy can take some time, but Angelina received acupuncture, which she credits with a full recovery from the condition.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in happier times

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in happier times © PA Images

More recently the 42-year-old actress has noticed more grey hairs and drier skin joking, "I can’t tell if it’s menopause or if it’s just been the year I’ve had!"

The Maleficent actress finds it hard to believe she is anyone's sex symbol, but explains, "I actually feel more of a woman because I feel like I’m being smart about my choices, and I’m putting my family first, and I’m in charge of my life and my health. I think that’s what makes a woman complete."

Whilst she's known for acting in a number of award winning films, Angelina is now taking some time out and even taking cooking lessons as she explains, "I’m just wanting to make the proper breakfast and keep the house. That’s my passion."

Since the break-up with Brad, Angelina has established contact with her father, actor Jon Voight, who she had been estranged from for many years. Talking to the journalist she explained how "He knows kind of the rule - don’t make them play with you. Just be a cool grandpa who’s creative, and hang out and tell stories and read a book in the library."